Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
一一 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
一一yīyīone by oneHSK 6, unknown, 2 strokes, rank #2017, Hard
一一yīyīone after anotherHSK 6, unknown, 2 strokes, rank #2017, Hard
yīyī(yi1yi1)yi yi T1
  1. 1one by one
  2. 2one after another
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

一一yīyī(yi1yi1)

The term '一一' (yī yī) refers to the concept of doing something one by one or in a sequential manner. It's often used to emphasize the orderliness of actions or events, illustrating a methodical approach. This phrase can be applied in various contexts, such as listing items or describing steps in a process.

Strokes2Frequency#2017DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the practice of doing tasks one by one is often associated with diligence and thoroughness, reflecting a value placed on careful execution rather than haste. This is particularly evident in traditional Chinese education and craftsmanship.

Memory tip

Imagine counting sheep to sleep, saying 'one, one' (一一) as each sheep jumps over the fence. The repetition of 'one' helps you visualize the sequence, linking the sound 'yī' to the action of doing things one after another.

Meanings of 一一

yīyī(yi1yi1)
1one by one
2one after another
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 一一 means.

About 一一

一一Simplified
2Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 一一

JasonAmy

Podcast: 一一

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 一一

Usage Notes

Be mindful that '一一' is typically used in written and formal contexts; in casual conversation, simpler expressions may be preferred. A common mistake is using it inappropriately with verbs that imply simultaneous action. Remember to pair it with actions that imply a clear sequence.

HSK Study Tips

As '一一' does not appear in the official HSK vocabulary, focus on related concepts like '一个' (yī gè, one) and '逐个' (zhú gè, one by one). Understanding these connections will help reinforce your grasp of sequencing in Mandarin.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '一一' with '一' (yī), thinking they have the same meaning. For example, saying '我一做' (wǒ yī zuò - I do one) is incorrect; it should be '我一一做' (wǒ yī yī zuò - I do it one by one).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 一一

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 一一, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 一一 to you

Let me explain 一一 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 一一 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 一一?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 一一 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

一yīone
HSK 11 strokes一
View full entry
一yīone
HSK 11 strokes一
View full entry

How to say one by one in Chinese

“one by one” in Chinese is一一yīyī

The term '一一' (yī yī) refers to the concept of doing something one by one or in a sequential manner. It's often used to emphasize the orderliness of actions or events, illustrating a methodical approach. This phrase can be applied in various contexts, such as listing items or describing steps in a process.

When to use 一一

Be mindful that '一一' is typically used in written and formal contexts; in casual conversation, simpler expressions may be preferred. A common mistake is using it inappropriately with verbs that imply simultaneous action. Remember to pair it with actions that imply a clear sequence.

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes confuse '一一' with '一' (yī), thinking they have the same meaning. For example, saying '我一做' (wǒ yī zuò - I do one) is incorrect; it should be '我一一做' (wǒ yī yī zuò - I do it one by one).

Write 一一

一
一

Practice writing 一一 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 一一?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 一一

While you can use it, it's more common in writing or formal speech; in casual conversation, you might opt for simpler terms.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 一一?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab